Alia Shawkat’s 5 Funniest Roles

Rarely do we see a comedic talent so fully realized at such a young age, but Arrested Development fans witnessed it firsthand in the acting chops of Alia Shawkat. (She was also the very first person cast in the series.) Alia landed many roles since and with them solidified her status as a fantastic comedy actor.

Before you catch Alia as one of Carrie’s new kids on tonight’s brand new Portlandia, check out her five funniest roles to date. (Click here to find IFC on your TV in your area.)

1. Maeby Fünke, Arrested Development

She may have gotten her start with a small role in David O. Russell’s Three Kings, but the world got to know Alia Shawkat from her breakthrough role as Maeby Fünke, arguably the sanest and most self-aware member of the dysfunctional Bluth clan. Quick with a ruse and a quip, Maeby had her family figured out practically from birth — even if the makeout sessions with her step-cousin gave her pause.

2. Adele, Broad City

Perfectly cast as Ilana Glazer’s doppelganger (co-star Abbi Jacobson even mistook Glazer for Shawkat when they first met in improv class), Alia plays the sexually charged counterpart to Ilana’s free-wheelin’ libido. Their whirlwind hookup hits a rough patch, however, when they don’t share the same enthusiasm for making out with oneself, and their differing stance on marijuana is the final nail.

3. Frances Cleveland, Drunk History

Mixing middle school social studies with a detox center, Derek Waters’ Comedy Central series retells historical events through the glazed eyes and slurred speech of drunk comedians. In the episode focusing on First Ladies, Shawkat plays Grover Cleveland’s wife Frances Folsom who championed a feminist movement in the late-1800s and used her public profile to promote jobs for women.

4. Bree, Cedar Rapids

The 2011 comedy Cedar Rapids starring Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, and Anne Heche features Shawkat as a sex worker who frequents business conventions for hot-to-trot johns. The role stands in stark contrast to the mostly wholesome yet acerbic Maeby and might be jarring for those who only know her from Arrested Development. But after her first sarcastic comment, the similarities become pretty evident.

5. Herself, Getting Doug With High

Unlike her character in Broad City, Alia enjoys partaking in the occasional toke in real life and did so alongside comedian Doug Benson and actor Aubrey Plaza for Benson’s online weed series, Getting Doug With High. Watching the trio hang out, chat, and joke around, viewers got a true sense of Shawkat’s affable and funny self that she brings to the table for each role.

Watch Alia as one of Carrie’s new kids in a clip from this week’s Portlandia.

The Best Of The Last

The end is near. In mere days Portlandia wraps up its final season, and oh what a season it’s been. Lucky for you, you can watch the entire season right now right here and on the IFC app, including this free episode courtesy of Subaru.

But now, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the new classics Fred and Carrie have so thoughtfully bestowed upon us. (We’ll be looking back through tear-blurred eyes, but you do you.)

Couples Dinner

It’s not that being single sucks, it’s that you suck if you’re single.

Cancel it!

A sketch for anyone who has cancelled more appointments than they’ve kept. Which is everyone.

Forgotten America

This one’s a “Serial” killer…everything both right and wrong about true crime podcasts.

Wedding Planners

The only bad wedding is a boring wedding.

Disaster Hut

It’s only the end of the world if your doomsday kit doesn’t include rosé.

Your Portlandia Personality Test

Carrie and Fred understand that although we have so much in common, we’re each so beautifully unique and different. To help us navigate those differences, Portlandia has found an easy and honest way to embrace our special selves in the form of a progressive new traffic system: a specific lane for every kind of driver. It’s all in honor of the show’s 8th and final season, and it’s all presented by Subaru.

Ready to find out who you really are? Match your personality to a lane and hop on the expressway to self-understanding.

Lane 10: Trucks Piled With Junk

Your junk is falling out of your trunk. Shake a tail light, people — this lane is for you.

Lane 33: Twins

You’re like a Gemini, but waaaay more pedestrian. Maybe you and a friend just wear the same outfits a lot. Who cares, it’s just twinning enough to make you feel special.

Lane 27: Broken Windows

Bad luck follows you around and everyone knows it. Your proverbial seat is always damp from proverbial rain. Is this the universe telling you to swallow your pride? Yes.

Lane 69: Filthy Cars

You’re all about convenience. Getting your car washed while you drive is a no-brainer.

Lane 43: Newly Divorced Singles

It’s been a while since you’ve driven alone, and you don’t know the rules of the road anymore. What’s too fast? What’s too slow? Are you sending the right signals? Don’t worry, the breakdown lane is nearby if you need it.

Still can’t find a lane to match your personality? Check out all the videos here. And see the final season of Portlandia this spring on IFC.

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the final countdown to Christmas and thanks to IFC’s movie marathon all Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can revel in classic ’80s films AND find inspiration for your last-minute gifts. Here are our recommendations, if you need a head start:

Musical Instrument

Great analog entertainment substitute when you refuse to give your kid the Nintendo Switch they’ve been drooling over.

Breakfast In Bed

Any significant other or child would appreciate these Uncle Buck-approved flapjacks. Just make sure you’re not stuck on clean up duty.

Cocktail Supplies

You’ll need them to get through the holidays.

Dance Lessons

So you can learn to shake-shake-shake (unless you know ghosts willing to lend a hand).

Comfy Clothes

With all the holiday meals, there may be some…embigenning.

Get even more great inspiration all Christmas Eve and Day on IFC, and remember…